Leave-on hair styling compositions and methods of use

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to leave-on hair styling compositions comprising: (a) at least one sugar alcohol: (b) inulin; (c) sclerotium gum; (d) at least one water-soluble solvent; and (e) water. The leave-on hair styling compositions provide excellent hair styling benefits without requiring synthetic film-forming polymers and/or silicones. In particular, the leave-on hair styling compositions are useful for imparting durable styling or shaping benefits, providing volume and fullness, and imparting frizz control to hair.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to leave-on hair styling compositions for treating or styling hair. The leave-on hair styling compositions contain a combination of sugar alcohol(s), inulin, and sclerotium gum, and are useful in methods for imparting durable styling or shaping benefits, providing volume and fullness, and controlling frizz of hair.

BACKGROUND

Consumers desire new multi-functional hair products that can impart good styling benefits to hair, are durable, and impart certain cosmetic characteristic to the hair. Such products should be pleasing to the senses, have innovative, interesting and/or pleasing textures, without loss in functional performance. Furthermore, many consumers prefer hair products that provide a light feel, are easy to apply, and add shine and luster to the hair.

Traditional hair products on the cosmetic market appear in various forms. They range anywhere from solutions, foams, gels, creams, waxes, mousses, sprays, serums, to aerosols and can impart a variety of levels of protection to the hair depending on the state of the hair and the components of the product. Generally, products that are designed to impart styling or shaping benefits to hair are in the form of hair styling or hair care/hair treatment products. Some of these products are often sticky or tacky upon application and once dry, may become stiff and/or “crunchy” (i.e. the film is hard and brittle resulting in a crunching feel or sound when the hair is touched), which is undesirable for many consumers.

Current products for imparting styling or shaping benefits to hair often include water soluble film-forming polymers. Depending on the chemical make-up of these polymers, they may be either soluble in water, or they may be water insoluble polymers which are made water soluble via various chemical modifications, such as neutralization. Solutions comprising these polymers tend to be viscous, i.e. as the concentration of the polymer increases, its viscosity builds up rapidly. Translated to styling applications, as the solvent evaporates, the polymer solution becomes thicker on the hair surface, resulting in a sticky or tacky film.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The instant disclosure relates to hair styling compositions that are unique in their ability to impart a variety of desirable properties to hair. For example, the compositions maintain the shape of hair, achieve long-lasting frizz control, provide strong styling hold, and impart a pleasant texture and body to the hair. Furthermore, upon application to the hair, the compositions have a clean, natural, and light-weight feel.

The leave-on hair styling compositions include: (a) at least one sugar alcohol; (b) inulin; (c) sclerotium gum; (d) at least one water-soluble solvent; and (e) water. Typically, the total amount of sugar alcohol(s) is greater than the total amount of inulin; the total amount of inulin is greater than the total amount of sclerotium gum; and the total amount of sugar alcohol(s), inulin, and sclerotium gum is at least 2 wt. %. Also, the hair styling compositions usually include a high amount of water, for example, at least 70 wt. % of water, based on the total weight of the leave-on hair styling composition.

Non-limiting examples of sugar alcohols include isomalt, mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, lactitol, maltitol, inositol, erythritol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, and mixtures thereof. In some cases the leave-on hair styling composition includes at least sorbitol.

Non-limiting example of useful water-soluble solvents include organic solvent, monomeric polyols, a glycol, glycerin, a polyhydric alcohol, and a mixture thereof. Exemplary monomeric polyols that may be included in the hair styling compositions include, but are not limited to, glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, polyethylene glycol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, and 1,2,6-hexanetriol. Additional non-limiting examples of polyols that have one or more aliphatic diols include 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 3,3-dimethyl-1,2-butanediol, 2,2-diethyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol, 2,4-dimethyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-hexanediol, 5-hexene-1,2-diol, and 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, and mixtures thereof.

Additional components may also optionally be included in the leave-on hair styling compositions, as set forth throughout the instant disclosure. Likewise, components may be excluded from the leave-on hair styling compositions. For instance, in some cases, the leave-on hair styling compositions are essentially free of synthetic film-forming polymers. In some cases, the leave-on hair styling compositions are essentially free of silicones.

Finally, leave-on hair styling compositions may be used in various methods for treating hair, for example, human hair, including human hair of an individual's head. For example, the compositions are useful for: (i) improving or retaining curl definition of hair; (ii) imparting humidity resistance to hair; (iii) reducing hair frizz; (iv) controlling hair volume; (v) styling hair; (vi) straightening hair; and (vi) improving the appearance of hair.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The leave-on hair styling composition of the instant disclosure includes a unique combination of sugar alcohol(s), inulin, and sclerotium gum. The synergy amongst these components results in compositions that provide desirable softening attributes, holding ability, and styling properties to hair. More specifically, the leave-on hair styling compositions may include:

(a) at least one sugar alcohol;

(b) inulin;

(c) sclerotium gum;

(d) at least one water-soluble solvent; and

(e) water.

The total amount of the combination of sugar alcohol(s), inulin, and sclerotium gum may be at least 2 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair styling composition. For example, the total amount of the combination of sugar alcohol(s), inulin, and sclerotium gum may be at least 2 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition. In some instances, the total amount of the combination of sugar alcohol(s), inulin, and sclerotium gum may be at least 2.5 wt. % or at least 3 wt. %, for example, from at least 2.5 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, from at least 2.5 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, from at least 2.5 wt. % to about 8 wt. %, from at least 2.5 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, from at least 3 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, from at least 3 wt. % to about 8 wt. %, or from at least 3 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair styling composition.

The total individual amount of sugar alcohol(s), inulin, and sclerotium gum can vary with respect to each other, but in some instances, the total amount of sugar alcohol(s) is greater than the total amount of inulin in the hair styling compositions. Additionally (or alternatively), in some instances, the total amount of inulin is greater than the total amount of sclerotium gum in the hair styling compositions.

If the total amount of sugar alcohol(s) is greater than the total amount of inulin in the hair styling compositions, the ratio of sugar alcohol(s) to inulin may be from 1.1:1 to about 5:1. In some cases, the ratio of sugar alcohol(s) to inulin may be from 1.1:1 to about 4:1, from 1.1:1 to about 3:1, from 1.1:1 to about 2:1, from 1.2:1 to about 5:1, from 1.2:1 to about 4:1, from 1.2:1 to about 3:1, from 1.2:1 to about 2:1, from 1.3:1 to about 5:1, from 1.3:1 to about 4:1, or from 1.3:1 to about 2:1.

If the total amount of inulin is greater than the total amount of sclerotium gum in the hair styling compositions, the ratio of inulin to sclerotium gum may be from 1.5:1 to about 10:1. In some cases, the ratio of the inulin to scerlotium gum may be from 1.5:1 to about 8:1, from 1.5:1 to about 6:1, from 1.5:1 to about 5:1, from 2:1 to about 10:1, from 2:1 to about 8:1, from 2:1 to about 6:1, from 2:1 to about 5:1, from 2.5:1 to about 10:1, from 2.5:1 to about 8:1, from 2.5:1 to about 6:1, or from 2.5:1 to about 5:1.

A sugar alcohol is a polyalcohol resulting from the reduction of the carbonyl group in a monosaccharide to a hydroxyl group. Non-limiting examples of sugar alcohols include isomalt, mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, lactitol, maltitol, inositol, erythritol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, and mixtures thereof. In some cases, the leave-on hair styling compositions include at least sorbital.

The total amount of the one or more sugar alcohols can vary but is typically about 1 to about 15 wt. %, based on the total weight of the leave-on hair styling composition. In some cases, the total amount of the one or more sugar alcohols may be about 1 to about 12 wt. %, about 1 to about 10 wt. %, about 1 to about 8 wt. %, about 1.5 to about 15 wt. %, about 1.5 to about 12 wt. %, about 1.5 to about 10 wt. %, or about 1.5 to about 8 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair styling composition.

The total amount of inulin in the hair styling composition can vary and is non-limited. Nonetheless, in some instances, the total amount of inulin may be about 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair styling composition. In some cases, the total amount of inulin may be about 0.5 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 6 wt. %, about 0.5 to about 5 wt. %, about 1 to about 10 wt. %, about 1 to about 8 wt. %, about 1 to about 6 wt. %, or about 1 to about 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair styling composition.

The total amount of sclerotium gum in the hair styling composition can also vary and is non-limited. Nonetheless, in some instances, the total amount of sclerotium gum in the hair styling compositions is about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair styling composition. In some cases, the total amount of sclerotium gum is about 0.1 to about 4 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 3 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 2 wt. %, about 0.2 to about 5 wt %, about 0.2 to about 4 wt. %, about 0.2 to about 3 wt. %, about 0.3 to about 2 wt. %, about 0.3 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.3 to about 4 wt. %, about 0.3 to about 3 wt. %, or about 0.3 to about 2 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair styling composition.

The hair styling compositions include at least one water-soluble solvents, such as, for example, an organic solvent. The term “water-soluble solvent” denotes a compound that is liquid at room temperature and water-miscible (miscibility in water of greater than 50% by weight at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure).

Non-limiting examples of water-soluble solvents include lower monoalcohols and monomeric polyols. Non-limiting examples of lower monoalcohols are those containing from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, such as ethanol and isopropanol, glycols containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol and dipropylene glycol, C₃ and C₄ ketones and C₂-C₄ aldehydes.

Non-limiting examples of water-soluble organic solvents that may be mentioned include linear or branched C₂-C₄ alkanols, such as ethanol and isopropanol; polyols and polyol ethers, for instance 2-butoxyethanol, glycerol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether and monoethyl ether, and also aromatic alcohols, for instance benzyl alcohol or phenoxyethanol, and mixtures thereof. In some cases, glycerol is particularly useful.

In some cases, the one or more water-soluble solvents include one or more monomeric polyols. Non-limiting examples of monomeric polyols include glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, polyethylene glycol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, and 1,2,6-hexanetriol. Non-limiting examples of monomeric polyols having one or more aliphatic diols include 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 3,3-dimethyl-1,2-butanediol, 2,2-diethyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol, 2,4-dimethyl-2,4-pentanediol, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-hexanediol, 5-hexene-1,2-diol, and 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, and mixtures thereof.

The total amount of the one or more water-soluble solvents can vary but is typically about 1 to about 25 wt. %, based on the total weight of the leave-on hair styling composition. In some cases, the total amount of the water-soluble solvent(s) is about 1 to about 20 wt. %, about 1 to about 15 wt. %, about 1 to about 10 wt. %, about 2 to about 25 wt. %, about 2 to about 20 wt. %, about 2 to about 15 wt. %, about 2 to about 10 wt. %, about 3 to about 25 wt. %, about 3 to about 20 wt. %, about 3 to about 15 wt. %, or about 3 to about 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair styling composition.

The leave-on hair styling compositions include water, which is often the predominant ingredient in the hair styling compositions. Therefore, the hair styling compositions may be referred to as “aqueous leave-on hair styling compositions.” The total amount of water can vary, but typically the total amount of water in the leave-on hair styling compositions is at least 70 wt. %, based on the total weight of the leave-on hair styling composition. For example, the total amount of water may be at least 70 wt % to about 95 wt %, at least 70 wt. % to about 92 wt. %, at least 75 wt. % to about 95 wt. %, at least 75 wt. % to about 92 wt. %, at least 80 wt. % to about 95 wt. %, at least 80 wt. % to about 92 wt. %, at least 85 wt. % to about 95 wt. %, at least 85 wt. % to about 92 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair styling composition.

In some instances, the hair styling compositions of the present disclosure include at least one stabilizer and/or thickening agent. Non-limiting examples include acacia, agar, algin, alginic acid, ammonium alginate, amylopectin, calcium alginate, calcium carrageenan, carnitine, carrageenan, dextrin, gelatin, gellan gum, guar gum, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, hectorite, hyaluronic acid, hydrated silica, hydroxypropyl chitosan, hydroxypropyl guar, karaya gum, kelp, locust bean gum, natto gum, potassium alginate, potassium carrageenan, propylene glycol alginate, sodium carboxymethyl dextran, sodium carrageenan, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, biosacharide gum, and mixtures thereof. In some cases, carrageenan is a particularly preferred stabilizer/thickening agent.

The stabilizer and/or thickening agent(s) may be thickening polymers. Non-limiting examples of thickening polymers include pullulan, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium alginate, xanthan gum, modified xanthan gum, tragacanth gum, guar gum, acacia gum, Arabic gum, polyacrylic acid, methylmethacrylate copolymer, carboxyvinyl polymer, dextrin, pectin, chitin, levan, elsinan, collagen, gelatin, zein, gluten, soy protein, casein, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxylated polyvinylalcohol, sulfonated polyvinyl alcohol, starch, starch derivatives, hemicellulose, hemicellulose derivatives, proteins, chitosan, chitosan derivatives, polyethylene glycol, tetramethylene ether glycol, hydroxymethyl cellulose, and mixtures thereof. In some cases, the one or more thickening polymers may be sodium alginate, xanthan gum, modified xanthan gum, tragacanth gum, guar gum, acacia gum, Arabic gum, and mixtures thereof. In some cases, carrageenan is particularly useful.

The total amount of the stabilizer and/or thickening agent(s) may vary, but is typically about 0.01 to about 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the leave-on hair styling composition. In some cases, the total amount of stabilizer and/or thickening agent(s) is about 0.01 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.01 to about 6 wt. %, about 0.01 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.05 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.05 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.05 to about 6 wt. %, about 0.05 to about 5 wt. %, or about 0.1 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 6 wt. %, or about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair styling composition.

In some instances, the hair styling compositions of the present disclosure may include at least one surfactant, such as one or more nonionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, amphoteric/zwitterionic surfactant. Nonionic surfactants can be particularly useful in some cases. Non-limiting examples of useful nonionic surfactants include glyceryl esters, ethylene glycol esters, propylene glycol esters and sucrose esters of fatty acids. More specifically, in some cases, the hair styling compositions may optionally include one or more polyglycol esters. A more exhaustive but non-limiting listing of useful surfactants that may optionally be included (or excluded) from the hair styling composition is provided later, under the heading “Surfactants.”

The total amount of the surfactant(s) in the hair styling composition, if present, may vary but may be about 0.01 to about 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the leave-on hair styling composition. In some cases, the total amount of surfactant(s) in the hair styling composition, if present, is about 0.01 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.01 to about 6 wt. %, about 0.01 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.05 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.05 to about 8 wt. %, about 0.05 to about 6 wt. %, about 0.05 to about 5 wt. %, about 1 to about 10 wt. %, about 1 to about 8 wt. %, about 1 to about 6 wt. %, or about 1 to about 5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hair styling composition.

The hair styling compositions of the instant disclosure are unique in that they do not require synthetic polymers such as synthetic film-forming polymers. In fact, the leave-on hair styling compositions do not necessarily require any synthetic ingredients. In some cases, synthetic film-forming polymer or synthetic polymer may be included but in other cases, they may be excluded. The term “synthetic polymer” (or “synthetic film-forming polymer”) means a polymer, which is purely synthetic, or not of natural origin, especially those polymers, which are made by radical polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers or by polycondensation. The term “natural polymer” means a polymer of natural origin, which includes those that have been subsequently chemically or physically modified (but retains at least 50% of its molecular structure from the original natural source). In particular, the term “natural original ingredient” refers to one of the following:

-   -   1. An ingredient which remains unchanged from its natural state;         or     -   2. An ingredient which has undergone chemical or other         processing which modifies it from its natural state but which         retains at least 50% of its molecular structure from the         original natural source.

In general, a naturally derived ingredient is processed to improve its stability, efficacy and/or safety for use in leave-on hair styling products. The degree of processing varies for each ingredient, but at the end only an ingredient that retains at least 50% of its molecular structure from the original natural source is considered natural origin. In some cases, the leave-on hair styling compositions of the instant disclosure are “natural leave-on hair styling compositions.” A “natural leave-on hair styling composition” is a leave-on hair styling composition comprising only “natural original ingredients,” as defined above.

Non-limiting examples of synthetic film-forming polymers (which in some cases may be excluded from the instant leave-on hair styling compositions) include non-ionic hair-fixing polymers (e.g., copolymerizates of vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl acetate, terpolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl acetate and vinyl propionate, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl alcohols and polyethylene glycol/polypropylene glycol copolymers. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl caprolactam and their copolymers with at least one further nonionic monomer, for example, polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymers) and anionic hair-fixing polymers such as synthetic homo- or copolymers with neutralizable monomer units containing acid groups, which are copolymerizable with comonomers, if necessary, which contain no acid groups. The acid groups may include —COOH, —SO₃H, —OSO₃H, —OPO₂H, —PO₃H₂. The acid groups can be unneutralized, or partially or completely neutralized.

Furthermore, the leave-in hair styling compositions do not require silicones (silicone and silicone containing materials). Non-limiting examples of silicones (which may optionally excluded from the instant leave-on hair styling compositions) include dimethicone, dimethiconol, amodimethicone, cyclomethicones, amino-modified silicones, and polyether-modified silicones.

In some instances, the leave-in hair styling composition do not require alcohols, in particular, monohdyric alcohols. Non-limiting examples of monhydric alcohols include lower monohydric alcohols having 8 carbons or less, having 6 carbons or less, or having 4 carbons or less.

In some instances, the leave-on hair styling compositions of the instant disclosure include:

-   -   (a) about 1 to about 15 wt. %, about 1 to about 10 wt. %, or         about 1 to about 6 wt. % of at least one sugar alcohol,         preferably sorbitiol;     -   (b) about 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.5 to 8 wt. %, or about         0.5 to about 5 wt. % of inulin;     -   (c) about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 4 wt. %, or         about 0.2 to about 4 wt. % of sclerotium gum;         -   wherein         -   the total amount of sugar alcohol(s) is greater than the             total amount of inulin,         -   the total amount of inulin is greater than the total amount             of sclerotium gum, and         -   the total amount of sugar alcohol(s), inulin, and sclerotium             gum is at least 2 wt. %;     -   (d) at least one water-soluble solvent; and     -   (e) at least 70 wt. % of water.

The one or more water-soluble solvents may include one or more monomeric polyols, for examples, those selected from the group consisting of glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, polyethylene glycol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, and 1,2,6-hexanetriol, and mixtures thereof.

In some instances, the leave-on hair styling compositions of the instant disclosure include:

-   -   (a) about 1 to about 15 wt. %, about 1 to about 10 wt. %, or         about 1 to about 6 wt. % of sorbitiol;     -   (b) about 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.5 to 8 wt. %, or about         0.5 to about 5 wt. % of inulin;     -   (c) about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 4 wt. %, or         about 0.2 to about 4 wt. % of sclerotium gum;         -   wherein         -   the total amount of sugar alcohol(s) is greater than the             total amount of inulin,         -   the total amount of inulin is greater than the total amount             of sclerotium gum, and         -   the total amount of sugar alcohol(s), inulin, and sclerotium             gum is at least 2 wt. %;     -   (d) at least one water-soluble solvent selected from glycerin,         ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol,         propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol,         1,3-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol,         3-methyl-1,3-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol,         2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, polyethylene glycol,         1,2,4-butanetriol, and 1,2,6-hexanetriol, and mixtures thereof;     -   (e) at least 75 wt. % of water; and     -   (f) about 0.01 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.01 to about 8 wt. %,         or about 0.05 to about 6 wt. % of at least one stabilizer and/or         thickening agent, of example, a stabilizer and/or thickening         agent selected from acacia, agar, algin, alginic acid, ammonium         alginate, amylopectin, calcium alginate, calcium carrageenan,         carnitine, carrageenan, dextrin, gelatin, gellan gum, guar gum,         guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, hectorite, hyaluronic         acid, hydrated silica, hydroxypropyl chitosan, hydroxypropyl         guar, karaya gum, kelp, locust bean gum, natto gum, potassium         alginate, potassium carrageenan, propylene glycol alginate,         sodium carboxymethyl dextran, sodium carrageenan, tragacanth         gum, xanthan gum, biosacharide gum, and mixtures thereof;         preferably, carrageenan.

In some instances, the leave-on hair styling compositions of the instant disclosure include:

-   -   (a) about 1 to about 15 wt. %, about 1 to about 10 wt. %, or         about 1 to about 6 wt. % of sorbitiol;     -   (b) about 0.5 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.5 to 8 wt. %, or about         0.5 to about 5 wt. % of inulin;     -   (c) about 0.1 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.1 to about 4 wt. %, or         about 0.2 to about 4 wt. % of sclerotium gum;         -   wherein         -   the total amount of sugar alcohol(s) is greater than the             total amount of inulin,         -   the total amount of inulin is greater than the total amount             of sclerotium gum, and         -   the total amount of sugar alcohol(s), inulin, and sclerotium             gum is at least 2 wt. %;     -   (d) at least one water-soluble solvent selected from glycerin,         ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol,         propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol,         1,3-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol,         3-methyl-1,3-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol,         2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, polyethylene glycol,         1,2,4-butanetriol, and 1,2,6-hexanetriol, and mixtures thereof;     -   (e) at least 75 wt. % of water;     -   (f) about 0.01 to about 10 wt. %, about 0.01 to about 8 wt. %,         or about 0.05 to about 6 wt. % of carrageenan; and

(g) optionally, at least one surfactant, preferably, at least one nonionic surfactant, for example, a nonionic surfactant selected from glyceryl esters, ethylene glycol esters, propylene glycol esters and sucrose esters of fatty acids.

All of the leave-on hair styling compositions described throughout the disclosure may optionally be free or essentially free of synthetic ingredients, for example, synthetic film-forming polymers. Similarly, all of the leave-on hair styling compositions described throughout the disclosure may be free or essentially free of silicones. Additionally, all of the leave-on hair styling compositions described throughout the disclosure may be free or essentially free of lower monohydric alcohols having 8 carbons or less.

The leave-on hair styling compositions described herein may be in any suitable physical form. Suitable forms include, but are not limited to low to moderate viscosity liquids, lotions, milks, mousses, sprays, gels, creams, pastes, clays, bars, conditioners, and the like. In some cases, the leave-on hair styling composition is in the form of a spray formulation. Spray formulations may be dispensed from containers that include aerosol dispensers or pump spray dispensers. Such dispensers are known in the art and are commercially available from a variety of manufacturers. When the spray formulation is dispensed from a pressurized aerosol container, a propellant may be used to force the composition out of the container. Suitable propellants include, but are not limited to, a liquefiable gas or a halogenated propellant. Examples of suitable propellants include dimethyl ether and hydrocarbon propellants such as propane, n-butane, iso-butane, CFCs, and CFC-replacement propellants. The propellants may be used singly or admixed. In some cases, the leave-on hair styling compositions are in the form of a spray.

Regardless of the form of the leave-on hair styling composition, in this case, the leave-on hair styling compositions are typically not emulsions, i.e., the leave-on hair styling compositions are not an oil-in-water emulsions, water-in-oil emulsions, silicone-in-water emulsions, or water-in-silicone emulsions. Accordingly, the leave-on hair styling compositions do not require emulsifiers and therefore may be free or essentially free of emulsifiers.

As suggested by the term “leave-on hair styling compositions,” these compositions are formulated so that they can remain on the hair for extended periods of time, i.e., the compositions are applied to the hair, for example, during styling of the hair and allowed to remain for one or more hours, or one or more days before being removed, for example, by washing. In other words, the leave-on hair styling compositions are applied to the hair and allowed to remain on the hair without immediate rinsing or removal. The leave-on hair styling compositions may be applied to the hair, for example, after shampooing, before or during the styling process. The hair may be wet, damp, or already dry when the hair styling composition is applied to the hair. In some cases, the leave-on hair styling composition may be applied to wet or damp hair after which the hair is blow dried and styled. In other cases, the hair may be previously dried and the leave-on hair styling composition is applied to dry hair, in order to treat, shape, or style the hair.

The leave-on hair styling compositions may be packaged in a variety of different containers, such as, for example, a ready-to-use container. Non-limiting examples of useful packaging include tubes, jars, caps, unit dose packages, and bottles, including squeezable tubes and bottles.

The leave-on hair styling compositions may be used in various methods for treating hair, for example, human hair, including human hair one an individual's head. For example, the compositions are useful for: (i) improving or retaining curl definition of hair; (ii) imparting humidity resistance to hair; (iii) reducing hair frizz; (iv) controlling hair volume; (v) styling hair; (vi) straightening hair; and (vi) improving the appearance of hair; wherein the methods typically comprise applying a hair styling composition disclosed herein to the hair. These methods are particularly useful for average to fine hair. The hair styling compositions are useful in methods for imparting durable styling or shaping properties and/or frizz control to hair. The methods may include applying the leave-on hair styling composition to the hair, subsequently styling the hair while allowing the leave-on hair styling composition to remain on the hair, for example, for one or more hours, or one or more days before being removed by a subsequent washing. The leave-on hair styling composition may be applied to wet, damp, or already dry hair and can be air dried or blow dried.

More exhaustive but non-limiting lists of components useful in the hair styling compositions disclosed herein are presented below.

Surfactants

Cationic Surfactants

The term “cationic surfactant” means a surfactant that is positively charged when it is contained in the composition according to the disclosure. This surfactant may bear one or more positive permanent charges or may contain one or more functions that are cationizable in the composition according to the disclosure.

Non-limiting examples of cationic surfactants include behenalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, behentrimonium chloride, lauralkonium chloride, cetalkonium chloride, cetrimonium bromide, cetrimonium chloride, cethylamine hydrofluoride, chlorallylmethenamine chloride (Quaternium-15), distearyldimonium chloride (Quaternium-5), dodecyl dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (Quaternium-14), Quaternium-22, Quaternium-26, Quaternium-18 hectorite, dimethylaminoethylchloride hydrochloride, cysteine hydrochloride, diethanolammonium POE (10) oletyl ether phosphate, diethanolammonium POE (3)oleyl ether phosphate, tallow alkonium chloride, dimethyl dioctadecylammoniumbentonite, stearalkonium chloride, domiphen bromide, denatonium benzoate, myristalkonium chloride, laurtrimonium chloride, ethylenediamine dihydrochloride, guanidine hydrochloride, pyridoxine HCl, iofetamine hydrochloride, meglumine hydrochloride, methylbenzethonium chloride, myrtrimonium bromide, oleyltrimonium chloride, polyquaternium-1, procainehydrochloride, cocobetaine, stearalkonium bentonite, stearalkoniumhectonite, stearyl trihydroxyethyl propylenediamine dihydrofluoride, tallowtrimonium chloride, and hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide.

Anionic Surfactants

The term “anionic surfactant” means a surfactant comprising, as ionic or ionizable groups, only anionic groups. These anionic groups are chosen preferably from the groups CO₂H, CO₂ ⁻, SO₃H, SO₃ ⁻, OSO₃H, OSO₃ ⁻O₂PO₂H, O₂PO₂H and O₂PO₂ ²⁻.

The anionic surfactant(s) that may be used may be alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkylamido ether sulfates, alkylaryl polyether sulfates, monoglyceride sulfates, alkylsulfonates, alkylamide sulfonates, alkylarylsulfonates, alpha-olefin sulfonates, paraffin sulfonates, alkylsulfosuccinates, alkyl ether sulfosuccinates, alkylamide sulfosuccinates, alkyl sulfoacetates, acylsarcosinates, acylglutamates, alkylsulfosuccinamates, acylisethionates and N-acyltaurates, salts of alkyl monoesters and polyglycoside-polycarboxylic acids, acyllactylates, salts of D-galactoside uronic acids, salts of alkyl ether carboxylic acids, salts of alkyl aryl ether carboxylic acids, and salts of alkylamido ether carboxylic acids; or the non-salified forms of all of these compounds, the alkyl and acyl groups of all of these compounds containing from 6 to 24 carbon atoms and the aryl group denoting a phenyl group. Some of these compounds may be oxyethylenated and then preferably comprise from 1 to 50 ethylene oxide units.

The salts of C₆-C₂₄ alkyl monoesters of polyglycoside-polycarboxylic acids may be chosen from C₆-C₂₄ alkyl polyglycoside-citrates, C₆-C₂₄ alkyl polyglycoside-tartrates and C₆-C₂₄ alkyl polyglycoside-sulfo succinates.

When the anionic surfactant(s) are in salt form, they may be chosen especially from alkali metal salts such as the sodium or potassium salt and preferably the sodium salt, ammonium salts, amine salts and in particular amino alcohol salts, or alkaline-earth metal salts such as the magnesium salt.

Examples of amino alcohol salts that may especially be mentioned include monoethanolamine, diethanolamine and triethanolamine salts, monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine or triisopropanolamine salts, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol salts, 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol salts and tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane salts. Alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal salts and in particular the sodium or magnesium salts may be used.

Mention is also made of (C₆-C₂₄)alkyl sulfates, (C₆-C₂₄)alkyl ether sulfates, which are optionally ethoxylated, comprising from 2 to 50 ethylene oxide units, and mixtures thereof, in particular in the form of alkali metal salts or alkaline-earth metal salts, ammonium salts or amino alcohol salts. In some cases, the anionic surfactant(s) are chosen from (C₁₀-C₂₀)alkyl ether sulfates, and in particular sodium lauryl ether sulfate containing 2.2 mol of ethylene oxide.

Amphoteric Surfactants

Amphoteric surfactants useful in the cosmetic compositions disclosed herein may be chosen from betaines, sultaines, amphoacetates, amphoproprionates, and mixtures thereof. More typically, betaines and amphoproprionates are used, and most typically betaines. Betaines which can be used in the current compositions include those having the formulas below:

wherein

R¹⁰ is an alkyl group having 8-18 carbon atoms; and

n is an integer from 1 to 3.

Particularly useful betaines include, for example, coco betaine, cocoamidopropyl betaine, lauryl betaine, laurylhydroxy sulfobetaine, lauryldimethyl betaine, cocoamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, behenyl betaine, capryl/capramidopropyl betaine, lauryl hydroxysultaine, stearyl betaine, and mixtures thereof. Typically, the at least one betaine compound is selected from the group consisting of coco betaine, cocoamidopropyl betaine, behenyl betaine, capryl/capramidopropyl betaine, lauryl betaine, and mixtures thereof, and more typically coco betaine.

Hydroxyl sultaines useful in the compositions of the invention include the following

wherein

R is an alkyl group having 8-18 carbon atoms.

Useful alkylamphoacetates include those having the formula

wherein

R is an alkyl group having 8-18 carbon atoms.

useful alkyl amphodiacetates include those having the formula

wherein

R is an alkyl group having 8-18 carbon atoms.

The amphoteric surfactants of the present disclosure may be optionally quaternized secondary or tertiary aliphatic amine derivatives, in which the aliphatic group is a linear or branched chain comprising from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, said amine derivatives containing at least one anionic group, for instance a carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate or phosphonate group.

Non-Ionic Surfactants

Nonionic surfactants are compounds well known in themselves (see, e.g., in this regard, “Handbook of Surfactants” by M. R. Porter, Blackie & Son publishers (Glasgow and London), 1991, pp. 116-178), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The nonionic surfactant can be, for example, selected from alcohols, alpha-diols, alkylphenols and esters of fatty acids, these compounds being ethoxylated, propoxylated or glycerolated and having at least one fatty chain comprising, for example, from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, it being possible for the number of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide groups to range from 2 to 50, and for the number of glycerol groups to range from 1 to 30. Maltose derivatives may also be mentioned. Non-limiting mention may also be made of copolymers of ethylene oxide and/or of propylene oxide; condensates of ethylene oxide and/or of propylene oxide with fatty alcohols; polyethoxylated fatty amides comprising, for example, from 2 to 30 mol of ethylene oxide; polyglycerolated fatty amides comprising, for example, from 1.5 to 5 glycerol groups, such as from 1.5 to 4; ethoxylated fatty acid esters of sorbitan comprising from 2 to 30 mol of ethylene oxide; ethoxylated oils from plant origin; fatty acid esters of sucrose; fatty acid esters of polyethylene glycol; polyethoxylated fatty acid mono or diesters of glycerol (C₆-C₂₄)alkylpolyglycosides; N—(C₆-C₂₄)alkylglucamine derivatives, amine oxides such as (C₁₀-C₁₄)alkylamine oxides or N—(C₁₀-C₁₄)acylaminopropylmorpholine oxides; and mixtures thereof.

The nonionic surfactants may preferably be chosen from polyoxyalkylenated or polyglycerolated nonionic surfactants. The oxyalkylene units are more particularly oxyethylene or oxypropylene units, or a combination thereof, and are preferably oxyethylene units.

In some cases, the nonionic surfactant may be selected from esters of polyols with fatty acids with a saturated or unsaturated chain containing for example from 8 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 22 carbon atoms, and alkoxylated derivatives thereof, preferably with a number of alkyleneoxide of from 10 to 200, and more preferably from 10 to 100, such as glyceryl esters of a C₈-C₂₄, preferably C₁₂-C₂₂, fatty acid or acids and alkoxylated derivatives thereof, preferably with a number of alkyleneoxide of from 10 to 200, and more preferably from 10 to 100; polyethylene glycol esters of a C₈-C₂₄, preferably C₁₂-C₂₂, fatty acid or acids and alkoxylated derivatives thereof, preferably with a number of alkyleneoxide of from 10 to 200, and more preferably from 10 to 100; sorbitol esters of a C₈-C₂₄, preferably C₁₂-C₂₂, fatty acid or acids and alkoxylated derivatives thereof, preferably with a number of alkyleneoxide of from 10 to 200, and more preferably from 10 to 100; sugar (sucrose, glucose, alkylglycose) esters of a C₈-C₂₄, preferably C₁₂-C₂₂, fatty acid or acids and alkoxylated derivatives thereof, preferably with a number of alkyleneoxide of from 10 to 200, and more preferably from 10 to 100; ethers of fatty alcohols; ethers of sugar and a C₈-C₂₄, preferably C₁₂-C₂₂, fatty alcohol or alcohols; and mixtures thereof.

Examples of ethoxylated fatty esters that may be mentioned include the adducts of ethylene oxide with esters of lauric acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid or behenic acid, and mixtures thereof, especially those containing from 9 to 100 oxyethylene groups, such as PEG-9 to PEG-50 laurate (as the CTFA names: PEG-9 laurate to PEG-50 laurate); PEG-9 to PEG-50 palmitate (as the CTFA names: PEG-9 palmitate to PEG-50 palmitate); PEG-9 to PEG-50 stearate (as the CTFA names: PEG-9 stearate to PEG-50 stearate); PEG-9 to PEG-50 palmitostearate; PEG-9 to PEG-50 behenate (as the CTFA names: PEG-9 behenate to PEG-50 behenate); polyethylene glycol 100 EO monostearate (CTFA name: PEG-100 stearate); and mixtures thereof.

As glyceryl esters of fatty acids, glyceryl stearate (glyceryl mono-, di- and/or tristearate) (CTFA name: glyceryl stearate) or glyceryl ricinoleate and mixtures thereof can in particular be cited.

As glyceryl esters of C₈-C₂₄ alkoxylated fatty acids, polyethoxylated glyceryl stearate (glyceryl mono-, di- and/or tristearate) such as PEG-20 glyceryl stearate can for example be cited.

Mixtures of these surfactants, such as for example the product containing glyceryl stearate and PEG-100 stearate, marketed under the name ARLACEL 165 by Uniqema, and the product containing glyceryl stearate (glyceryl mono- and distearate) and potassium stearate marketed under the name TEG1N by Goldschmidt (CTFA name: glyceryl stearate SE), can also be used.

Cationic Conditioning Agents

The cationic conditioning agents that may be employed in the compositions of the present disclosure can be a monoalkyl quaternary amine, such as stearyltrimonium chloride, soyatrimonium chloride or coco-ethyldimonium ethosulfate. Other suitable cationic conditioning agents include, but are not limited to, behentrimonium chloride, dialkyl quaternary amines, such as dicetyldimonium chloride, dicocodimethyl ammonium chloride or distearyldimethyl ammonium chloride; and polyquaternium compounds, such as Polyquaternium-6, Polyquaternium-22 or Polyquaternium-5.

For example, cationic conditioning agents may be chosen from polyquaterium-10 (also called quaternized polyhydroxyethyl cellulose), cetrimonium chloride (also called cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, CTAC), behentrimonium chloride (also known as docosyl trimethyl ammonium chloride), behentrimonium methosulfate, steartrimonium chloride, stearalkonium chloride, dicetyldimonium chloride, hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, cocotrimonium methosulfate, olealkonium chloride, steartrimonium chloride, babassuamidopropalkonium chloride, brassicamidopropyl dimethylamine, Quaternium-91, Salcare/PQ-37, Quaternium-22, Quaternium-87, Polyquaternium-4, Polyquaternium-6, Polyquaternium-11, Polyquaternium-44, Polyquaternium-67, amodimethicone, lauryl betaine, Polyacrylate-1 Crosspolymer, steardimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed wheat protein, behenamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride, lauryldimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed soy protein, aminopropyl dimethicone, Quaterium-8, and dilinoleamidopropyl dimethylamine dimethicone PEG-7 phosphate.

In some instances, the cationic conditioning agents are cationic polymers. The term “cationic polymer” means any polymer comprising at least one cationic group and/or at least one group that may be ionized into a cationic group.

Particularly useful cationic polymers in the present invention include, but are not limited to, polyquaternium 4, polyquaternium 6, polyquaternium 7, polyquaternium 10, polyquaternium 11, polyquaternium 16, polyquaternium 22, polyquaternium 28, polyquaternium 32, polyquaternium-46, polyquaternium-51, polyquaternium-52, polyquaternium-53, polyquaternium-54, polyquaternium-55, polyquaternium-56, polyquaternium-57, polyquaternium-58, polyquaternium-59, polyquaternium-60, polyquaternium-63, polyquaternium-64, polyquaternium-65, polyquaternium-66, polyquaternium-67, polyquaternium-70, polyquaternium-73, polyquaternium-74, polyquaternium-75, polyquaternium-76, polyquaternium-77, polyquaternium-78, polyquaternium-79, polyquaternium-80, polyquaternium-81, polyquaternium-82, polyquaternium-84, polyquaternium-85, polyquaternium-86, polyquaternium-87, polyquaternium-90, polyquaternium-91, polyquaternium-92, polyquaternium-94, and guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride.

Particularly preferred cationic polymers of the present invention include POLYMER JR-125, POLYMER JR-400, Polymer JR-30M hydroxyethyl cellulosic polymers (polyquaternium 10) available from AMERCHOL; JAGUAR C® 13-S, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, available from Rhodia; and MERQUAT® 100 and 280, a dimethyl dialkyl ammonium chloride (polyquaternium 6) available from Nalco.

The cationic polymer is generally present in an amount of from greater than 0% to about 15%, preferably from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, and more preferably from about 1% to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

Cationic polymers useful herein include polyquaternium 4, polyquaternium 6, polyquaternium 7, polyquaternium 10, polyquaternium 11, polyquaternium 16, polyquaternium 22, and polyquaternium 32. Cationic polymers useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to, polyquaternium 4, polyquaternium 6, polyquaternium 7, polyquaternium 10, polyquaternium 11, polyquaternium 16, polyquaternium 22, polyquaternium 28, polyquaternium 32, and guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride. Preferred cationic polymers include POLYMER JR-125, POLYMER JR-400, Polymer JR-30M hydroxyethyl cellulosic polymers (polyquaternium 10) available from AMERCHOL; JAGUAR C13-S, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, available from Rhodia; and MERQUAT 100 and 280, a dimethyl dialkyl ammonium chloride (polyquaternium 6) available from Nalco.

Oils

The hair styling composition may include one or more oils, for example, silicone oils, fluoro oils, hydrocarbon-based oils, etc. The term “oil” means any fatty substance which is in liquid form at room temperature (20-25° C.) and at atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg). Often, at least one of the oils in the cosmetic composition is part of an oily phase. An “oily phase” is a phase comprising at least one oil that may include additional liposoluble and lipophilic ingredients and the fatty substances. The oily phase can be combined with an aqueous phase in an emulsion. Oil that is suitable for use herein may be volatile or non-volatile. The term “volatile oil” relates to oil that is capable of evaporating on contact with the skin or a keratin fiber in less than one hour, at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The volatile oil(s) are liquid at room temperature and have a non-zero vapor pressure, at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, ranging in particular from 0.13 Pa to 40 000 Pa (10⁻³ to 300 mmHg). The term “non-volatile oil” relates to oil which remains on the skin or the keratin fiber, at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, for at least several hours and which in particular has a vapor pressure of less than 10⁻³ mmHg (0.13 Pa).

The term “silicone oil” relates to oil comprising at least one silicon atom, and especially at least one Si—O group. The term “fluoro oil” relates to oil comprising at least one fluorine atom. The term “hydrocarbon-based oil” relates to oil comprising mainly hydrogen and carbon atoms. Hydrocarbon-based oil may be animal hydrocarbon-based oil, plant hydrocarbon-based oil, mineral hydrocarbon-based oil or a synthetic hydrocarbon-based oil. Further, suitable oil may be a mineral hydrocarbon-based oil, a plant hydrocarbon-based oil, or a synthetic hydrocarbon-based oil.

Silicone Oils

The cosmetic compositions described herein may comprise one or more silicone oils. Non-limiting examples of silicone oils include dimethicone, cyclomethicone, polysilicone-11, phenyl trimethicone, trimethylsilylamodimethicone, and stearoxytrimethylsilane. In some cases, the cosmetic composition includes dimethicone, and optionally additional oils, including additional silicone oils. Typically, the one or more silicone oils is a non-volatile silicon oil. In some embodiments, the silicone oil is polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMSs), polydimethylsiloxanes comprising alkyl or alkoxy groups which are pendent and/or at the end of the silicone chain, which groups each contain from 2 to 24 carbon atoms, or phenyl silicones, such as phenyl trimethicones, phenyl dimethicones, phenyl(trimethylsiloxy)diphenylsiloxanes, diphenyl dimethicones, diphenyl(methyldiphenyl)trisiloxanes or (2-phenylethyl)trimethylsiloxysilicates.

Other examples of silicone oils that may be mentioned include volatile linear or cyclic silicone oils, especially those with a viscosity 8 centistokes (8×10⁶ m²/s) and especially containing from 2 to 7 silicon atoms, these silicones optionally comprising alkyl or alkoxy groups containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. As volatile silicone oils that may be used in the invention, mention may be made especially of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane, heptamethylhexyltrisiloxane, heptamethyloctyltrisiloxane, hexamethyldisiloxane, octamethyltrisiloxane, decamethyltetrasiloxane and dodecamethylpentasiloxane, and mixtures thereof.

Fluoro Oils

The cosmetic compositions described herein may comprise one or more fluoro oils. For example, the onee or more fluoro oil may be selected from the group consisting of perfluoromethylcyclopentane, perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane, dodecafluoropentane, tetradecafluorohexane, bromoperfluorooctyl, nonafluoromethoxybutane, nonafluoroethoxyisobutane and 4-trifluoromethylperfluoromorpholine. Volatile fluoro oils, such as nonafluoromethoxybutane, decafluoropentane, tetradecafluorohexane, dodecafluoropentane, may also be used.

Hydrocarbon-Based Oils

The cosmetic compositions described herein may comprise one or more hydrocarbon-based oils. For example, the hydrocarbon-based oil may be a saturated hydrocarbon, an unsaturated hydrocarbon, lipids, triglycerides, a natural oil, and/or a synthetic oil. In some embodiments, the compositions include a synthetic oil selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated polyisobutene and hydrogenated polydecene.

The hydrocarbon-based oil may be a non-volatile hydrocarbon-based, such as:

(i) hydrocarbon-based oils of plant origin, such as glyceride triesters, which are generally triesters of fatty acids and of glycerol, the fatty acids of which can have varied chain lengths from C₄ to C₂₄, it being possible for these chains to be saturated or unsaturated and linear or branched; these oils are in particular wheat germ oil, sunflower oil, grape seed oil, sesame oil, corn oil, apricot oil, castor oil, shea oil, avocado oil, olive oil, soybean oil, sweet almond oil, palm oil, rapeseed oil, cottonseed oil, hazelnut oil, macadamia oil, jojoba oil, alfalfa oil, poppy oil, pumpkin seed oil, marrow oil, blackcurrant oil, evening primrose oil, millet oil, barley oil, quinoa oil, rye oil, safflower oil, candlenut oil, passionflower oil, and musk rose oil.

(ii) synthetic ethers containing from 10 to 40 carbon atoms;

(iii) linear or branched hydrocarbons of mineral or synthetic origin, such as petroleum jelly, polydecenes, hydrogenated polyisobutene such as Parleam, and 4 0 squalane;

(iv) synthetic esters, for instance oils of formula RCOOR′ in which R represents a linear or branched fatty acid residue containing from 1 to 40 carbon atoms and R′ represents a hydrocarbon-based chain that is especially branched, containing from 1 to 40 carbon atoms on condition that R+R′ is ≥10, for instance Purcellin oil (cetearyl octanoate), isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, C₁₂-C₁₅ alkyl benzoate, such as the product sold under the trade name Finsolv TN® or Witconol TN® by Witco or Tegosoft TN® by Evonik Goldschmidt, 2-ethylphenyl benzoate, such as the commercial product sold under the name X-Tend 226 by ISP, isopropyl lanolate, hexyl laurate, diisopropyl adipate, isononyl isononanoate, oleyl erucate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, isostearyl isostearate, diisopropyl sebacate, such as the product sold under the name of “Dub Dis” by Stearinerie Dubois, octanoates, decanoates or ricinoleates of alcohols or polyalcohols, such as propylene glycol dioctanoate; hydroxylated esters, such as isostearyl lactate or diisostearyl malate; and pentaerythritol esters; citrates or tartrates, such as di(linear C₁₂-C₁₃ alkyl) tartrates, such as those sold under the name Cosmacol ETI® by Enichem Augusta Industriale, and also di(linear C₁₄-C₁₅ alkyl) tartrates, such as those sold under the name Cosmacol ETL® by the same company; or acetates;

(v) fatty alcohols that are liquid at room temperature, containing a branched and/or unsaturated carbon-based chain containing from 12 to 26 carbon atoms, for instance octyldodecanol, isostearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, 2-hexyldecanol, 2-butyloctanol or 2-undecylpentadecanol;

(vi) higher fatty acids, such as oleic acid, linoleic acid or linolenic acid;

(vii) carbonates, such as dicaprylyl carbonate, such as the product sold under the name Cetiol CC® by Cognis;

(viii) fatty amides, such as isopropyl N-lauroyl sarcosinate, such as the product sold under the trade name Eldew SL 205® from Ajinomoto; and

(ix) essential oils selected from the group consisting of sunflower oil, sesame oil, peppermint oil, macadamia nut oil, tea tree oil, evening primrose oil, sage oil, rosemary oil, coriander oil, thyme oil, pimento berries oil, rose oil, anise oil, balsam oil, bergamot oil, rosewood oil, cedar oil, chamomile oil, sage oil, clary sage oil, clove oil, cypress oil, eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, sea fennel oil, frankincense oil, geranium oil, ginger oil, grapefruit oil, jasmine oil, juniper oil, lavender oil, lemon oil, lemongrass oil, lime oil, mandarin oil, marjoram oil, myrrh oil, neroli oil, orange oil, patchouli oil, pepper oil, black pepper oil, petitgrain oil, pine oil, rose otto oil, rosemary oil, sandalwood oil, spearmint oil, spikenard oil, vetiver oil, wintergreen oil, and ylang ylang.

In certain instances, the non-volatile hydrocarbon-based oils are glyceride triesters and in particular to caprylic/capric acid triglycerides, synthetic esters and in particular isononyl isononanoate, oleyl erucate, C₁₂-C₁₅ alkyl benzoate, 2-ethylphenyl benzoate and fatty alcohols, such as octyldodecanol.

As volatile hydrocarbon-based oils, mention is made of hydrocarbon-based oils containing from 8 to 16 carbon atoms and in particular of branched C₈-C₁₆ alkanes, such as C₈-C₁₆ isoalkanes of petroleum origin (also known as isoparaffins), such as isododecane (also known as 2,2,4,4,6-pentamethylheptane), isodecane or isohexadecane, the oils sold under the Isopar or Permethyl trade names, branched C C₈-C₁₆ esters, and isohexyl neopentanoate.

Preservatives

One or more preservatives may be included in the compositions described herein for treating hair. Suitable preservatives include, but are not limited to, glycerin containing compounds (e.g., glycerin or ethylhexylglycerin or phenoxyethanol), benzyl alcohol, parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, etc.), sodium benzoate, ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA), potassium sorbate, and/or grapefruit seed extract, or combinations thereof. More than one preservative may be included in the composition. Other preservatives are known in the cosmetics industries and include salicylic acid, DMDM Hydantoin, Formaldahyde, Chlorphenism, Triclosan, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, Sorbic Acid, Methylisothiazolinone, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Quaternium-15, Stearalkonium Chloride, Zinc Pyrithione, Sodium Metabisulfite, 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Polyaminopropyl biguanide, Benzalkonium Chloride, Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Salicylate, Citric Acid, Neem Oil, Essential Oils (various), Lactic Acid, and Vitamin E (tocopherol).

The total amount of the one or more preservatives, when present, may vary. In some cases, the total amount of the one or more preservatives is about 0.01 to about 5 wt. %, about 0.01 to about 4 wt. %, about 0.15 to about 1 wt. %, or about 1 to about 3 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition.

Suitable components, such as those listed in the instant disclosure (including those listed above), may be included or excluded from the hair styling compositions depending on the specific combination of other components, the form of the compositions, and/or the use of the formulation (e.g., hair spray, cream, paste, conditioner, etc.).

Implementation of the present disclosure is provided by way of the following examples. The examples serve to illustrate the technology without being limiting in nature.

Example 1 Spray-Type Hair Styling Composition

INCI US Name wt. % (a) Sorbitol SORBITOL 2 (b) Inulin INULIN 1.5 (c) Sclerotium Gum SCLEROTIUM GUM 0.5 (d) Water-Soluble Solvent GLYCERIN AND/OR 5.3 CAPRYLYL GLYCOL Stabilizer/Thickening Agent CARRAGEENAN 0.1 Essential Oil/Fruit Extract VARIES ≤0.5 Surfactant POLYGLYCERYL-10 1 DIOLEATE Miscellaneous PRESERVATIVE(S), ≤3 VITAMIN(S), PERFUME(S), ETC. (e) Water WATER Q.S. 100%

Example 2 Spray-Type Hair Styling Composition

INCI US Name wt. % (a) Sorbitol SORBITOL 1.5 (b) Inulin INULIN 1.1 (c) Sclerotium Gum SCLEROTIUM GUM 0.4 (d) Water-Soluble Solvent GLYCERIN AND/OR 4.2 CAPRYLYL GLYCOL Stabilizer/Thickening Agent CARRAGEENAN 0.1 Essential Oil/Fruit Extract VARIES ≤0.5 Miscellaneous PRESERVATIVE(S), ≤3 VITAMIN(S), PERFUME(S), ETC. (d) Water WATER Q.S. 100%

Example 3 Contribution of Main Components

The individual influence of each of three main components of the hair styling composition of Example 1 (sugar alcohol (sorbitol), inulin, and sclerotium gum) was investigated. The inclusion of sugar alcohol(s) in the hair styling compositions results in a product that imparts appreciable discipline to the hair. The sugar alcohol(s) increased the ease of distribution of the hair styling composition, providing uniform spreadability on the hair fibers. Moreover, the sugar alcohol(s) in combination with inulin and sclerotium gum in the hair styling compositions imparted a very smooth, controlled, and voluminous/bodifying end look to the hair.

Inulin is a polysaccharide that, when included in the hair styling composition, provides the hair with a smooth and shiny end look. When inulin was omitted from the hair styling composition, the hair appeared and felt “coated” with product, resulting in a “weighed down” look and less body/fullness. Other sugar derivatives, such as maltodextrin, did not provide the same results as inulin.

Sclerotium Gum is a naturally derived thickening agent that exhibits holding properties of traditional synthetic hair styling polymers, but provided added benefits (such as added body) to hair when used in the present hair styling compositions. Xanthan and gellan gums were explored as alternatives to sclerotium gum, but xanthan and gellan gums did not provide sufficient fullness and body benefits to the hair. Not only did xanthan and gellan gums result in different textures that were too heavy on the hair, they also did not impart favorable shape control and root lift.

Compositions comprising one of each of the three main components were prepared and applied to mannequin heads and/or hair swatches. The effects were evaluated by consumers. The compositions were identical to the composition of Example 1 except that only one of the three main components was included. This was done to understand benefit of each ingredient on the hair by itself. The results of the testing are presented in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Hair Styling Benefits Raw Material Body Volume Smoothness Discipline Shine Inulin ✓ ✓ Sclerotium Gum ✓ Sorbitol ✓ “✓” indicates that the benefit reached an acceptable level.

As shown in Table 1, leave-on hair styling compositions containing only one of the three main components did not deliver all of the desired results at an acceptable level. When only inulin was used, the composition provided only an appropriate smoothness and shine; when only sclerotium gum was used, the composition provided only an acceptable degree of body; and when only a sugar alcohol (sorbitol) was used, the composition provided only acceptable degree of disciplene.

A subsequent study was carried out to determine the interaction and influence imparted by two of the three main components used in combination. The results appear in Table 2.

Hair Styling Benefits Raw Material Body Volume Smoothness Discipline Shine Inulin + Sclerotium ✓ ✓ ✓ Gum Inulin + Sorbitol ✓ ✓ ✓ Sclerotium Gum + ✓ ✓ Sorbitol “✓” indicates that the benefit reached an acceptable level.

The data in Table 2 shows a cooperative interaction between components when used together. Inulin and scloerotium gum used together provided a sufficient amount of body, smoothness, and shine, but did not provide adequate volume and discipline. Inulin and a sugar alcohol (sorbiton) used together provided a sufficient amount of smoothness, discipline, and shine to the hair but did not provide adequate body and volume. Sclerotium gum and a sugar alcohol (sorbitol) used together provided sufficient body and discipline to the hair but did not provide adequate volume, smoothness, and shine.

Finally, a study was carried out using the leave-on hair styling composition of Example 1, which includes all three main components. The results appear in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Hair Styling Benefits Raw Material Body Volume Smoothness Discipline Shine Inulin + Sclerotium ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Gum + Sorbitol Powder

The data show a synergistic effect between the three main components. The combination resulted in a product that is a natural, alcohol-free volumizing spray that include styling benefits such as body, volume, smoothness, discipline, and shine. It is important to note that the texturizing feel on the hair due to the presence of all three raw materials is natural and soft, which is very different from the synthetic texturizing feel offered by conventional hair styling sprays.

Example 4 Cosmetic Attributes

The hair styling composition of Example 1 was evaluated by comparing its performance against a commercial benchmark product containing a synthetic film-forming polymer and alcohol. Ten volunteers participated. The volunteers' hair was shampooed. After shampooing, while the hair remained damp, the hair styling composition of Example 1 was applied to half the head of each volunteer and the commercial benchmark product was applied to the other half of the head of each volunteer. After the hair was blow dried, experts evaluated the hair. The experts ranked a variety of attributes on a numerical scale, in most cases a scale of 1 to 5, where high numbers (e.g., 5) indicate better results.

The statistically significant differences between styling properties of the compositions is presented in the table below (p≤0.1).

Commercial Example 1 Benchmark DRY HAIR Style/Shape Control (1-10) ✓ Root Lift (0-5) ✓ Volume (0-5) ✓ Body (0-5) ✓ Mass Effect (0-5) ✓ Discipline/Manageability (0-5) ✓ Smooth visual (0-5) ✓ Style Memory (0-5) ✓ LONGER TERM WEAR AND ELIMINATION Repositionable (0-5) ✓ Restylable (0-5) ✓ Static (0-5) ✓ Post Elimination - Style Memory (0-5) ✓ Resulting Volume (0-5) ✓

As shown above, the composition of Example 1 performed statistically significantly better in terms of style/shape control, root lift, volume, body, mass effect, discipline/manageability, smooth visual, and style memory compared to the commercial benchmark product on dry, styled hair. In addition, the composition of Example 1 performed significantly (statistically) better in terms of being repositionable, restylable, having style memory, and retaining volume during longer-term wear. The commercial product scored statistically significantly higher for static. A low static score is desirable. The composition of Example 1 had no static, which is better in terms of performance on hair especially for volume or curl product. The findings above are particularly significant because the hair styling composition of Example 1 does not include synthetic film-forming polymers, which are typically required to obtain satisfactory cosmetic and styling attributes. Although the hair styling composition of Example 1 does not contain synthetic polymers, it performed significantly better than the commercial benchmark product on dry, styled hair.

The foregoing description illustrates and describes the disclosure. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only the preferred embodiments but, as mentioned above, it is to be understood that it is capable to use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the invention concepts as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings and/or the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. The embodiments described herein above are further intended to explain best modes known by applicant and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure in such, or other, embodiments and with the various modifications required by the particular applications or uses thereof. Accordingly, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Also, it is intended to the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments.

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “having,” and “including” are used in their open, non-limiting sense.

All percentages, parts and ratios herein are based upon the total weight of the compositions of the present disclosure, unless otherwise indicated.

As used herein, all ranges provided are meant to include every specific range within, and combination of sub ranges between, the given ranges. Thus, a range from 1-5, includes specifically 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, as well as sub ranges such as 2-5, 3-5, 2-3, 2-4, 1-4, etc.

The term “substantially free” or “essentially free” as used herein means that there is less than about 2% by weight of a specific material added to a composition, based on the total weight of the compositions. The components described for optional inclusion in the compositions of the disclosure may be free of the component(s) or may be “substantially free” or “essentially free” of the component(s). Nonetheless, the compositions may include less than about 1 wt. %, less than about 0.5 wt. %, less than about 0.1 wt. %, or none of the specified material.

The term “treat” (and its grammatical variations) as used herein refers to the application of the cosmetic compositions of the present disclosure onto the surface of the body, and in particular the skin and/or hair of the body.

The term “volatile”, as used herein, means having a flash point of less than about 100° C.

The term “non-volatile”, as used herein, means having a flash point of greater than about 100° C.

The term “substituted,” as used herein, means comprising one or more substituents. Non-limiting examples of substituents include atoms, such as oxygen atoms and nitrogen atoms, as well as functional groups, such as hydroxyl groups, ether groups, alkoxy groups, acyloxyalkyl groups, oxyalkylene groups, polyoxyalkylene groups, carboxylic acid groups, amine groups, acylamino groups, amide groups, halogen containing groups, ester groups, thiol groups, sulphonate groups, thiosulphate groups, siloxane groups, and polysiloxane groups. The substituent(s) may be further substituted.

The term “polymers,” as defined herein, include homopolymers and includes copolymers formed from at least two different types of monomers.

The methods and compositions of the present disclosure can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the disclosure described herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, or limitations described herein or otherwise useful. Additionally any component that is positively set forth in the present disclosure can be negatively excluded from the methods and compositions of the present disclosure, and in particular from the claims of the present disclosure. In particular, the methods and compositions of the present disclosure can be free or essentially free of any component that is positively set forth in the present disclosure.

Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients and/or reaction conditions can be modified, if desired, with the term “about,” meaning within +/−5% of the indicated number.

As used herein, all ranges provided are meant to include every specific range

The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are understood to encompass the plural as well as the singular. Thus, the term “a mixture thereof” is synonymous with “mixtures thereof.” Throughout the disclosure, the term “a mixture thereof” may be used following a list of elements as shown in the following example where letters A-F represent the elements: “one or more elements selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, and a mixture thereof.” The term, “a mixture thereof” does not require that the mixture include all of A, B, C, D, E, and F (although all of A, B, C, D, E, and F may be included). Rather, it indicates that a mixture of any two or more of A, B, C, D, E, and F can be included. In other words, it is equivalent to the phrase “one or more elements selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, and a mixture of any two or more of A, B, C, D, E, and F.”

Likewise, the term “a salt thereof” also relates to “salts thereof.” Thus, where the disclosure refers to “an element selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, D, E, F, a salt thereof, and a mixture thereof,” it indicates that that one or more of A, B, C, D, and F may be included, one or more of a salt of A, a salt of B, a salt of C, a salt of D, a salt of E, and a salt of F may be include, or a mixture of any two of A, B, C, D, E, F, a salt of A, a salt of B, a salt of C, a salt of D, a salt of E, and a salt of F may be included.

Some of the various categories of components identified may overlap. In such cases where overlap may exist and the composition includes both components (or the composition includes more than two components that overlap), an overlapping compound does not represent more than one component. For example, a fatty acid may be characterized as both a nonionic surfactant and a fatty compound. If a particular method or composition includes both a nonionic surfactant and a fatty compound, a single fatty acid will serve as only the nonionic surfactant or as only the fatty compound (the single fatty acid does not serve as both the nonionic surfactant and the fatty compound).

All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in the present disclosure are herein incorporated by reference, and for any and all purposes, as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. In the event of an inconsistency between the present disclosure and any publications, patents, or patent applications incorporated herein by reference, the present disclosure controls. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A leave-on hair styling composition comprising: (a) about 1 to about 15 wt. % of at least one sugar alcohol; (b) about 0.5 to about 10 wt. % of inulin; (c) about 0.1 to about 5 wt. % of sclerotium gum; wherein the total amount of sugar alcohol(s) is greater than the total amount of inulin, the total amount of inulin is greater than the total amount of sclerotium gum, and the total amount of sugar alcohol(s), inulin, and sclerotium gum is at least 2 wt. %; (d) at least one water-soluble solvent; and (e) at least 70 wt. % of water; wherein all weight percentages are based on the total weight of the leave-on hair styling composition.
 2. The leave-on hair styling composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one sugar alcohol of (a) is selected from the group consisting of maltitol, sorbitol, ribitol, mannitol, arabitol, galactitol, xylitol, erythritol, isomalt, lactitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, and a mixture thereof.
 3. The leave-on hair styling composition of claim 2, wherein the at least one sugar alcohol of (a) is sorbitol.
 4. The leave-on hair styling composition of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the total amount of sugar alcohol(s) to the total amount of inulin is from 1.1:1 to 5:1.
 5. The leave-on hair styling composition of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the total amount of inulin to the total amount of sclerotium gum is from 1.5:1 to 10:1.
 6. The leave-on hair styling composition of claim 1, wherein the total amount of sugar alcohol(s), inulin, and sclerotium gum is at least 3 wt. %.
 7. The leave-on hair styling composition of claim 1 comprising at least 80 wt. % of water, based on the total weight of the leave-on hair styling composition.
 8. The leave-on hair styling composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one water soluble solvent of (d) is selected from the group consisting of an organic solvent, a glycol, glycerin, a polyhydric alcohol, and a mixture thereof.
 9. The leave-on hair styling composition of claim 1, wherein the total amount of the water-soluble solvent(s) is about 1 to about 25 wt. %, based on the total weight of the leave-on hair styling composition.
 10. The leave-on hair styling composition of claim 1, further comprising: at least one stabilizer and/or thickening agent.
 11. The leave-on hair styling composition of claim 10, wherein the at least one stabilizer and/or thickening agent is selected from the group consisting of acacia, agar, algin, alginic acid, ammonium alginate, amylopectin, calcium alginate, calcium carrageenan, carnitine, carrageenan, dextrin, gelatin, gellan gum, guar gum, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, hectorite, hyaluronic acid, hydrated silica, hydroxypropyl chitosan, hydroxypropyl guar, karaya gum, kelp, locust bean gum, natto gum, potassium alginate, potassium carrageenan, propylene glycol alginate, sodium carboxymethyl dextran, sodium carrageenan, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, biosacharide gum, and mixtures thereof.
 12. The leave-on hair styling composition of claim 10, wherein the at least one stabilizer and/or thickening agent is carrageenan.
 13. The leave-on hair styling composition of claim 10, wherein the total amount of stabilizers and thickening agent(s) is from about 0.01 to about 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the leave-on hair styling composition.
 14. The leave-on hair styling composition of claim 1, further comprising: at least one nonionic surfactant.
 15. The leave-on hair styling composition of claim 1 that is essentially free of monohydric alcohols.
 16. The leave-on hair styling composition of claim 1 that is essentially free of synthetic film-forming polymers.
 17. The leave-on hair styling composition of claim 1 that is essentially free of silicones.
 18. The leave-on hair styling composition of claim 1 that is not an emulsion.
 19. A leave-on hair styling composition comprising: (a) about 1 to about 6 wt. % of sorbitol; (b) about 0.5 to about 5 wt. % of inulin; (c) about 0.2 to about 4 wt. % of sclerotium gum; wherein the total amount of sugar alcohol(s) is greater than the total amount of inulin, the total amount of inulin is greater than the total amount of sclerotium gum, and the total amount of sugar alcohol(s), inulin, and sclerotium gum is at least 2 wt. %; (d) at least one water-soluble solvent selected from glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, 2,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, polyethylene glycol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, and 1,2,6-hexanetriol, and mixtures thereof; (e) at least 75 wt. % of water; and (f) about 0.05 to about 6 wt. % of carrageenan; wherein the composition is essentially free of synthetic film-forming polymers is essentially free of silicones.
 20. A method for styling hair comprising applying a leave-on hair styling composition of claim 1 to the hair and styling the hair. 